Do you want to better understand the challenges your students face and the ways small changes to your course design can have big impacts on meeting these evolving needs? After the teaching and learning experiences of the past few years, are you looking for practical solutions to offer more inclusive, accessible, and flexible learning opportunities that positively impact the mental health of you and your students?
If you answered “yes” to either of these questions or are generally interested in expanding your understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), join colleagues for the Addressing Evolving Needs with Universal Design for Learning Practicum. This practicum is a three-week online program (jointly developed by Academic Support and Learning Advancement, AccessibleNU, Counseling and Psychological Services, School of Professional Studies Distance Learning, the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching, Teaching and Learning Technologies, and University Libraries) which focuses on the practical implementation of the three principles of Universal Design for Learning. It is designed for instructors of all levels, backgrounds, and teaching contexts. Similar to previous practica, this third and final practicum in a three-part series*, weaves together interactive synchronous sessions, asynchronous learning activities, individual consultations, and opportunities to learn with and from peers.
Through this practicum, participants will:
- Reflect on the impact of the pandemic and other current events on student and instructor mental health and well-being, as related to the teaching and learning experience
- Recognize how aspects of their current course design may unintentionally exacerbate challenges faced by students
- Understand how utilizing UDL principles can reduce instructors’ need to implement individual solutions for students experiencing barriers:
- Explore ways to incorporate multiple means of representation of course material into course design to ensure all are able to access and understand key topics
- Explore ways to redesign assessments offering multiple means of expression to optimize opportunities for all students to accurately demonstrate their learning
- Explore ways to offer multiple means of engagement throughout a course to enhance all students’ motivation to learn
- Apply specific UDL practices to syllabi, Canvas sites, course materials, assessments, and learning experiences
Registration for the Summer iteration (Aug. 14-Sep. 2, 2022) is open until July 31! Click here to register.
Fall and Winter iterations will be offered on the following dates:
- Oct. 17-Nov. 4, 2022 (Registration coming soon)
- Feb. 6-24, 2023 (Registration coming soon)
Please email practicum@northwestern.edu with any questions.
* Note: This program has a different focus and curriculum from the 2020-21 Foundations of Online Teaching Practicum and 2021-21 Inclusive Teaching Practicum.